Measuring who counts

Periodical
ZDM Mathematics Education
Volume
50
Year
2018
Issue number
4
Page range
687–697
Relates to study/studies
TIMSS 2015
PISA 2012

Measuring who counts

Gender and mathematics assessment

Abstract

Assessment in mathematics is assumed to provide credible and important information about what students know and can do. In this paper we focus on large scale tests and question whether mathematics assessment is essentially gender neutral. We consider aspects of test validity and discuss issues of terminology related to gender and mathematics. In particular, we highlight examples of the ways that test content, response processes, and interactions with other variables such as socio-economic status and beliefs/attitudes can distort students’ results and affect the interpretation of achievement outcomes. Where appropriate, we highlight findings from our own research